UKI want to adopt my stepchild. What is the legal process?
To adopt your stepchild in the UK, you must apply to a family court for an adoption order, meet eligibility requirements (e.g., be over 21 and live with the child for at least 6 months), and obtain consent from all those with parental responsibility — unless the court dispenses with it.
What the Law Says
The legal framework for stepchild adoption in England and Wales is set out in the Children Act 1989. While the Act does not contain a dedicated 'stepchild adoption' section, it underpins key principles — especially the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration — that govern all adoption applications, including those by step-parents.
Stepchild adoption is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (not provided here), but the Children Act 1989 remains foundational. Section 1 establishes that when a court determines any question relating to the upbringing of a child, the child’s welfare must be the court’s paramount consideration.
This welfare principle applies throughout the adoption process. The court will assess whether granting an adoption order is in the child’s best interests — considering factors like the child’s wishes, needs, background, and relationships with birth parents and the step-parent.
Applicants must also satisfy requirements in the Adoption and Children Act 2002, including being aged 21 or over, having lived with the child for at least six months before applying, and obtaining consent from every person who has parental responsibility — unless the court decides consent should be dispensed with (e.g., due to unreasonableness or absence).
Statutory TextWhen a court determines any question with respect to the upbringing of a child… the child’s welfare shall be the court’s paramount consideration.
— Children Act 1989, s. 1 — Welfare of the child
What to Do
Check eligibility: You must be aged 21 or over and have lived with the child for at least 6 months.
Obtain written consent from everyone with parental responsibility — or prepare evidence showing why consent should be dispensed with.
Submit Form A58 (Application for Adoption Order) to your local family court, along with the fee (£239 as of 2024) and supporting documents.
Attend a court hearing where a judge or magistrate reviews the application, hears from the child (if appropriate), and considers reports from a social worker.
If approved, the court makes an adoption order — legally ending the birth parent’s parental responsibility (unless they are the applicant’s spouse/civil partner) and giving you full parental rights.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.